Berlin, 3 May 2023 (TDI): Across the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean regions, NATO Allies and partners are set to conduct the first of three major exercises making up the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness 2023 or DEFENDER 23.
The Swift Response 23 exercise, which begins on May 7, aims to ensure that combat-credible forces are ready and postured in the theater to respond to any threats against our NATO Allies and partners.
Furthermore, the exercise is expected to feature the Spanish airborne brigade, Brigada Paracaidista, leading three near-simultaneous airborne operations in Estonia, Greece, and Spain. The successful seizure of objectives will be followed by host nation-partnered live fire training.
Also Read: Germany to Host NATO’s largest air force exercise
According to United States (US) Army General Darryl A. Williams, the commander of US Army Europe and Africa and NATO’s Allied Land Command, “During DEFENDER 23, the US allies and partners will demonstrate combined and joint interoperability, and the ability to conduct large-scale operations at the battalion and brigade levels.”
“Such actions provide a key deterrent effect in today’s dynamic security environment and ensure we are ready to fight and win if deterrence should ever fail.”
Moreover, Swift Response 23 is designed to enhance joint interoperability and is set in a multi-domain operational environment. The exercise will have linkages to US Air Forces in Europe’s exercise Astral Knight and US Naval Forces Europe’s exercise Formidable Shield.
Countries expected to participate in Swift Response 23 include the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the US.
To mention, the exercise is a testament to NATO’s commitment to deterrence and defense against any potential threat to the alliance’s collective security.
Swift Response 23 is an excellent opportunity for the allies and partners to showcase their military readiness and interoperability while strengthening their capabilities to respond to any challenge.
Thus, the exercise will provide a platform for the NATO allies and partners to work together, build trust and confidence, and enhance their capabilities to maintain peace and stability in the region. The alliance’s ability to work together, shoulder-to-shoulder, is the foundation of NATO’s strength and resilience.
In a nutshell, the DEFENDER 23 exercises, including Swift Response 23, are a vital component of NATO’s readiness and deterrence. NATO remains committed to enhancing its capabilities, strengthening its partnerships, and promoting peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond.
){kind=link}